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13 Games to Play If You Loved Skyrim

by Stella Mar 28,2025

There's nothing quite like the first time you explored Skyrim. From the moment you narrowly escape your grisly execution in Helgen and emerge into the legendary RPG's vast wilderness, it's an adventure that allows you to go anywhere and everywhere with no limitations. It's this sense of sheer freedom that has kept millions of players returning to its cold, untamed landscape for over a decade.

After spending years exploring the many different versions of Skyrim that have been released, it's safe to say we're all looking for new games to scratch that fantasy adventuring itch. To ease the wait until we get an official follow-up in the long-anticipated Elder Scrolls 6, we've compiled a list of some of the best games in the same vein as Skyrim that you can play right now.

  1. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: March 20, 2006 | Review: IGN's Oblivion review

An obvious choice to start our list, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion offers an experience similar in style and scope to Skyrim. As Skyrim's predecessor, Oblivion still boasts all the elements that made its younger sibling such a hit. You play as a prisoner thrust into the center of a conflict involving demonic gods, fiery portals to a hellish plane, and the murder of Tamriel's emperor. Your journey takes you across the land of Cyrodil, where you're free to explore, complete quests, ally with factions, and develop your character with new skills, weapons, armor sets, and spells. It's a quintessential Elder Scrolls experience, perfect for continuing your journey through Tamriel while awaiting Elder Scrolls 6. Oblivion is available on PC and can be played on Xbox Series X | S and Xbox One via backwards compatibility.

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Image credit: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Release Date: March 3, 2017 | Review: IGN's Breath of the Wild review

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the poster child of the Nintendo Switch and one of the best fantasy RPGs ever made. This acclaimed reinvention of the seminal series offers a secret-filled open world, physics-based systems for battling enemies and navigating terrain, phenomenal quests, and a stunning art style. Breath of the Wild doesn't hold your hand; it sets you loose in a fully explorable Hyrule with essential tools, allowing you to do as you please. Whether you're scouring the land for lore, climbing mountains, or heading straight to the final boss, the freedom and unguided exploration echo what makes Skyrim so compelling. It's available exclusively on Nintendo Switch, with a similar experience in its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom.

  1. Dragon's Dogma 2

Image credit: Capcom
Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Release Date: March 22, 2024 | Review: IGN's Dragon's Dogma 2 review

Dragon's Dogma 2 is a recent release that offers a sprawling RPG experience with a heavy focus on exploration. Set across two realms, Vermund and Battahl, you play as The Arisen, a warrior whose heart was stolen by an ancient dragon. Your quest to find and kill this dragon takes you through a vast, untamed world filled with secrets and monsters. The game's deep RPG mechanics include various classes to master, a wide range of weapons and armor, and a unique party system where you can recruit allies created by other players. If you're craving a massive fantasy RPG on the scale of Skyrim, Dragon's Dogma 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.

  1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image credit: CD Projekt
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Publisher: CD Projekt | Release Date: May 19, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Witcher 3 review

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a top-tier RPG set in a world inspired by Slavic mythology, filled with monsters, magic, and political intrigue. As Geralt, a gruff mercenary searching for his surrogate daughter, Ciri, you'll face mythical creatures and the spectral warriors known as the Wild Hunt. The game offers a giant open world with challenging battles, morally gray choices that affect quest outcomes, and an engrossing story. Like Skyrim, The Witcher 3 gives you the basics and then sets you free in a lore-rich fantasy world. Whether you choose to live as a bounty hunter or follow the main quest, the control is in your hands. The base game and its two expansive DLCs are available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

  1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Image credit: Deep Silver
Developer: Warhorse Studios | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: February 13, 2018 | Review: IGN's Kingdom Come Deliverance review

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a more grounded medieval epic that captures the sense of freedom found in Skyrim. Set in 15th-century Bohemia, you play as Henry, a blacksmith's son seeking revenge after his parents are murdered during a Cuman invasion. The game's open world is filled with authentic medieval locations, open-ended quests that react to your decisions, and an intricate battle system. With a focus on immersion, including survival mechanics like managing food, sleep, hygiene, and armor degradation, Kingdom Come: Deliverance provides a deeply involved experience. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. The sequel, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, released in February 2025, is even better and worth checking out.

  1. Elden Ring

Image credit: Bandai Namco
Developer: FromSoftware | Publisher: Bandai Namco | Release Date: February 25, 2022 | Review: IGN's Elden Ring review

Elden Ring is a challenging yet rewarding RPG that masters the art of exploration. FromSoftware's latest offering is set in a bleak world that rewards curiosity and perseverance. Hidden routes lead to new areas, and every nook and cranny holds potential rewards. The game's punishing nature is offset by the satisfaction of overcoming its challenges. With the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion and the standalone adventure Elden Ring Nightreign coming in May, now is a great time to explore The Lands Between. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

  1. Fallout 4

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: November 10, 2025 | Review: IGN's Fallout 4 review

While not a fantasy RPG, Fallout 4 shares many design philosophies with Skyrim. This massive open-world RPG from Bethesda lets you build a unique character, explore sprawling environments, and complete quests. Instead of casting spells at mud crabs, you'll be shooting mutant abominations in a post-apocalyptic Boston. As the Sole Survivor, your mission to save your kidnapped son from The Institute is just one of many objectives in the Wasteland. Fallout 4 offers the same freedom and exploration as Skyrim, with a post-apocalyptic twist. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC and remains one of Bethesda's best games.

  1. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Image credit: EA
Developer: BioWare | Publisher: EA | Release Date: November 18, 2014 | Review: IGN's Dragon Age: Inquisition review

Dragon Age: Inquisition is another expansive fantasy RPG that offers over 80 hours of gameplay. As the leader of The Inquisition, you're tasked with saving Thedas from mysterious rifts. You'll explore massive open-world maps, defeat monsters, and uncover a new Dragon Age story. Like Skyrim, you can build your character, choose their class and race, and embark on your adventure. As you journey, you'll recruit new party members, complete quests, and make choices that affect the story and Thedas. It's a great follow-up to Skyrim, and you can jump into 2024's Dragon Age: The Veilguard afterward. Dragon Age: Inquisition is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

  1. Baldur's Gate 3

Image credit: Larian Studios
Developer: Larian Studios | Publisher: Larian Studios | Release Date: July 29, 2023 | Review: IGN's Baldur's Gate 3 review

While Baldur's Gate 3 and Skyrim differ in gameplay style, with Baldur's Gate being a top-down CRPG focused on strategic combat and party management, it's a must-play for fans of expansive fantasy RPGs. Its world is filled with tactical combat, engrossing storylines, and quests that evolve based on your choices, offering a tailored playthrough. The game encourages experimentation with its character creation and quest approach, much like Skyrim's freedom. Baldur's Gate 3 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

  1. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Image credit: EA
Developer: Big Huge Games | Publisher: EA | Release Date: February 7, 2012 | Review: IGN's Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning review

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a cult classic remastered in 2020, offering a fun combat system, a huge world, and plenty of quests. As the Fateless One, a corpse brought back to life, you explore the Faelands to stop a destructive force. You can build your character, choose a class, and freely explore, completing quests and delving into dungeons. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

  1. The Forgotten City

Image credit: PID Games
Developer: Modern Storyteller | Publisher: PID Games | Release Date: July 28, 2021 | Review: IGN's The Forgotten City review

The Forgotten City started as a Skyrim mod but evolved into a full game. It begins in modern-day Italy, where you're transported back to Ancient Rome trapped in a time loop. The city resets whenever the "Golden Rule" is broken, and you must solve the underlying mystery by talking to citizens and uncovering clues. This detective game retains Skyrim's DNA while offering a unique experience. It's available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

  1. Outward: Definitive Edition

Image credit: Deep Silver
Developer: Nine Dots Studio | Publisher: Deep Silver | Release Date: May 17, 2022 | Review: IGN's Outward review

Outward is a hardcore RPG that casts you as an everyday person tasked with paying off a debt within five days. It quickly evolves into a large-scale open-world epic as you cross the land of Aurai, facing tough threats and surviving the elements. The game's focus on realism and consequence includes survival systems like hunger and sleep, and quests can fail if not attended to in time. Without fast travel and a unique respawn system, Outward offers a fresh take on open-world exploration. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC.

  1. The Elder Scrolls Online

Image credit: Bethesda Softworks
Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Publisher: Bethesda Softworks | Release Date: June 9, 2015 | Review: IGN's The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited review

If you're ready to move on from Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online offers a multiplayer experience in the Elder Scrolls universe. Explore various realms across Tamriel, including Skyrim, Cyrodil, Morrowind, and Highrock, as well as new locales like Elsweyr and Summerset. You can team up with other players to complete quests and build unique characters. With numerous DLCs added over the years, The Elder Scrolls Online is a great way to continue your Elder Scrolls journey. It's available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

What's your favorite game like Skyrim? --------------------------------------
AnswerSee ResultsAnd that's our pick of games Skyrim fans will love! Agree with our list or are some of your top picks missing? You can share your own top games like Skyrim lists with us via IGN Playlist, our tool that allows you to keep track of your gaming library, create lists and even rank them, discover what some of your favorite creators are playing, and more. Head over to IGN Playlist to find out more, and start creating your own lists to share with us!
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